A recent militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killed 26 tourists, marking the deadliest incident since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The attack, seemingly religiously motivated, was initially claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF), but later denied. India accuses Pakistan of involvement, which Pakistan denies.
The attack escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India considers shutting down water flow to Pakistan from Indus River tributaries, a move Pakistan considers an act of war. Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, further straining relations.
India is exploring retaliatory measures, considering a strategy of coercive diplomacy and possibly increasing military presence along the border. However, past forceful actions haven't deterred Pakistan-based militant groups. Questions linger about intelligence failures, allowing the militants to evade security. India also needs to improve its intelligence gathering and deploy a stronger deterrent strategy.
The attack highlights a continued security challenge in Kashmir despite India's efforts to restore normalcy. Multiple terrorist attacks last year indicate ongoing vulnerabilities in India's security measures. Strengthening defenses, especially along the Line of Control (LoC), is crucial to prevent future tragedies.